From our location in Rindge, New Hampshire, the best of Central New England is at
your doorstep. Whether you like the outdoors and open spaces, quaint country towns
or the bustle and culture of cities like Boston, Hartford and Providence, you'll find
it all within a short drive from campus. If you have an idea for an off-campus trip
that might interest a group of students, our staff in Student Affairs and Campus Recreation
can help make it happen.

Exploring the Area

Visit a State Park

Rhododendron State Park Just off Route 119, 424 Rockwood Pond Rd. Fitzwilliam Phone: 603-532-8862 (Managed
by Monadnock State Park) You'll find this National Natural Landmark 2.5 miles west of downtown Fitzwilliam.
Rhododendron State Park has more than 16 acres of wild rhododendron, Rhododendron
maximum. While most guidebooks suggest that the peak of bloom occurs in mid-July,
Residents know that even late-blooming rhododendron are at their peak here in late
June. Visitors arriving in mid-July should expect fewer blossoms than those arriving
two or three weeks earlier. In bloom or not, this wonderful natural area with trails,
wildflowers and breathtaking views of Mount Monadnock is a treat. This park is a great
spot for picnics.

Monadnock State Park Route. 124, Jaffrey 532-8862 Some Insiders might say that a visit to the Monadnock region is not complete without
a climb up Mount Monadnock. It is the biggest draw in the region and the most-climbed
mountain in the United States. (Numbers aren't available, but it is generally reported
that Mount Monadnock has more people hike to the summit than any mountain in the world
except for Mount Fuji in Japan.) The park and visitors center are open all year. Pick
up a guide to the more than 40 miles of trails within the park - most leading to the
3,165-foot summit. It is a favorite spot for winter camping and a popular fair-weather
picnic destination. No pets are allowed in Monadnock State Park.

Miller State Park Route 101, Peterborough 924-3672 This park was established in 1891 and named for James Miller, a hero in the War of
1812. You can drive or hike to the 2,090-foot summit. The auto road up Pack Monadnock
("Pack" comes from the Indian word for little) leads up 2,090 feet to a outstanding
view of the region. There are maps to help you know what you are looking at and nearby
trails for hiking. In fall this is an excellent spot for watching migrating hawks.
Admission to the park is $2.50 per person. Children younger than 12 are not charged.

Pisgah State Park Old Chesterfield Rd., Winchester 239-8153 New Hampshire's largest state park is 13,800 acres of mostly undeveloped land. It's
in the southwest corner of the Monadnock region. The park overlaps the towns of Winchester,
Hinsdale and Chesterfield. Information about the park can be found at each of the
nine trailheads. These trail heads are clearly marked, and all have an information
board and map box. The excellent maps show short, medium and long hikes. From the
top of Mount Pisgah (1,300 feet) you'll get a great view of the Connecticut River
to the west and Mount Monadnock to the east. The camp does not allow camping, but
you are welcome to bring your pets as long as they are on a leash.

Mountain Biking

Pisgah State ParkThis 15-mile ride circumvents about a third of a huge, undeveloped park. Three-quarters
of the ride uses jeep trails; the remainder follows rougher trails with (often very
muddy), and a mile or two of dirt roads. These 13,000 acres of woods are full of rock outcroppings, wetlands, hemlock and
birch trees, beaver ponds, swimming ponds, and wildlife (if you're quiet). Be prepared
to change riding techniques when switching from smoother paths to more rugged trails
with loose rock and obstructions. In autumn, obstructions can be hidden by leaves.
Mosquitoes can appear in late spring and summer. Check with a ranger to find out when
hunting season begins in late fall. Head west for more trails (but don't ride on paths
marked as biking-restricted). An active volunteer group, Friends of Pisgah, helps
rangers maintain the trails and bridges, and has an information center. They also
sponsor open houses, picnics, and clean-ups (P.O. Box 1179, Keene, New Hampshire,
03431).

Go to a Museum or Aquarium

Museum of Fine Arts (465 Huntington Avenue) houses extensive collections of Asian, Egyptian and Classical
Greek and Roman art as well as European and American paintings and sculpture. The
West Wing, designed by I.M. Pei, is a light, airy space used primarily for traveling
exhibitions. Open Tues-Sat 10-4:45, Wed until 9:45; Sun until 5:45. The West Wing
is open until 9:45 on Thursday and Friday. 617-267-9300.

Institute of Contemporary Art (955 Boylston Street) founded in 1936, the ICA featured exhibits in contemporary
art, including painting, sculpture, video, film and live performances. Open Wed, Thursday:
12-9; Friday through Sunday 12-5. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Telephone 617-266-5152
or 266-5151.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (280 The Fenway) is a beautiful Venetian-style palazzo built by Mrs. Gardner at the
turn of the century to house her extensive collection of European art. A Concert Series
is offered September through May. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11-5:00. Call for summer hours.
617-566-1401.

The Museum of Science (Science Park, Boston) one of the country's largest science museums, is filled with
exciting features including hands-on exhibits, The Omni Theatre for a three-dimensional
film experience, and the Charles Hayden Planetarium. Easily accessible by "T" on the
Green Line. 617-723-2500.

The New England Aquarium (Museum Wharf) is the largest aquarium in the country. The Aquarium rotates exhibits
but a few favorites, such as the dolphin show and the friendly seals who greet visitors
at the entrance are traditions. Easily accessible by "T" on the Blue Line. 617-973-5200.

The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum (Columbia Point, off Morrissey Boulevard) This memorial to John F. Kennedy portrays
the life and times of the former president through films and exhibits. Open 9-5. A
free shuttle bus, which is wheelchair accessible, operates every twenty minutes from
the JFK T stop. 617-929-4523.

Go to a Live Stage Event or Concert

(301 Massachusetts Avenue) Considered one of the world's greatest acoustic settings,
Symphony Hall offers a wide range of cultural events. Home to the Boston Symphony
Orchestra, the group performs here each year October through April. In May through
June the Boston Pops play a lighter musical fare. Throughout the year, visiting orchestras,
soloists and chamber groups perform here through the Bank of Boston Celebrity Series.
(617)266-1492.

Wang Center for the Performing Arts (270 Tremont Street) Located in the heart of Boston's theatre district, the Wang
Center is the home of the Boston Ballet. In addition, it hosts Broadway plays, concerts,
opera, contemporary ballet performances and a wide range of community and civic events.
The center's architectural splendor and opulence are matched only by the caliber of
the world-class artists who perform here each year. (617)482-9393.

The Handel and Haydn Society (300 Massachusetts Ave.) The organization is best known for its annual performances
of Handel's "Messiah." Also presented are a variety of choral and instrumental concerts
using period instruments. (617) 262-1815.

Fenway Park Kenmore Square, Boston Built in 1912, Fenway is one of the oldest and most beloved
ball parks in the country. Home to the Boston Red Sox, it has scarcely changed since
Babe Ruth played here in 1916. Home games are played in Fenway Park from April through
October. The MBTA Commuter Rail offers service to Yawkey Station across from Fenway
and the subway "T" stop is Kenmore on the Green Line. The Box Office is open Mon-Fri
9-5. Schedule and Ticket Information: 617-267-8661.

TD Garden 150 Causeway Street. The TD Gardenr stands less than 150 feet from the original Boston
Garden, located near North Station, and is where the Celtics play basketball and the
Bruins play hockey. Other events offered here include Olympic and World Figure Skating,
professional wrestling, concerts and the circus. The MBTA Commuter Rail Lines and
the MBTA Green and Orange Lines stop at North Station. The Box Office is open Mon-Sat
11-7; Sun 1-7 when an event is scheduled. Schedule and Ticket Information: 617-227-3200.